System for packaging piano plates

ABSTRACT

A system for packaging piano plates and like objects providing for said plates to be edge mounted and arranged in a compact spaced relation to have openings therein aligned. The plates are palletized and secured together primarily by a single banding strip. This strip is uniquely applied in the form of a modified Figure Eight having a supplemental binding loop formation at its extremities. Supplemental banding strips may be applied in a confining loop formation as and when needs require.

July 3, 1973 United States Patent 1191 Martin 1 SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING PIANO PLATES 3.2l6.564 11/1965 w61fe. Jr. et al. 206/62 R 4,3 6 1948 a k 1 206 65 R ux 75 Inventor: John 1:. Martin, Sprmgfield, 01116 2 44 26 I a e a [73] Assignee: The Wlckham Plano Plate Company,

Primary ExaminerSamuel B. Rothberg Springfield Ohlo Assistant Examiner-Steven E. Lipman Sept 15 1971 Attorney-Jerome P. Bloom [22] Filed:

[57] ABSTRACT A system for packaging piano plates and like objects providing for said plates to be edge mounted a [2]] Appl. No.: 180,705

nd arranged in a compact spaced relation to have openings therein aligned. The plates are palletized and secured together primarily by a single banding strip. This strip is uniquely applied in the form of a modified Figure Eight having a supplemental binding loop formation at its extremities. Supplemental banding strips may be applied in a confining loop formation as and when needs B 5U 5 ,9 6 6 M J 25.6 .68 l mn zB S ""4 6 T U N U A "m m "0 d mm "g wr "I A "n 6 e "Mao rT m m m s Ink Rm Ins n an N cuuM u s a U'mF HUM Q 555 U m u .8 .I F. g n .I .W a. r D 6 v s .m a l C 0 l e r .l u q 6 r R X Mu-WU ow 0. 2 "m "6 "m m t u e n r m Sh" a s m e mum KUS 459 663 999 Ill //l 995 085 603 740 406 332 PAIENIEDJULB ma 3.743.089

, saw 1 or 3 FIG-2 wvmron JOHN E. MARTIN ATTORNEY er QuMX/Zk 2o I6 24 PATENIEDJuw 1915 sum 3 or 3 N n MR VA M E N H O J ATTORNEY SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING PIANO PLATES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a protective system for packaging piano plates and other objects of like form having through openings in their body. This system is designed to facilitate shipping and/or storage of large plate-like objects the bodies of which have a critical configuration.

It will be appreciated that a piano plate represents a most important structural element of a piano. This is self evident since it serves as a base for mounting the piano strings and functions as a sounding board. Care in handling and shipping such an object is very important to preserving its full capabilities and sounding integrity. Yet in this area of its operations the industry is plagued with problems. Damage is frequent and considerable time, expense and space is entailed in handling the plates in procedures of storage and shipment. Attempts to overcome such problems have heretofore met with little success, as far as advancing the state of the art and satisfactorily alleviating the primary areas of concern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a solution of the above mentioned problems. It affords a system and method for palletizing and packaging piano plates to facilitate their handling for warehousing and shipping. In the process, it reduces to a minimum the space requirement for warehousing and shipping of such plates and their attendant cost. In a preferred practice of the invention a plurality of substantially identical piano plates are edge mounted to occupy vertical planes referenced to a pallet-type base. As mounted to said base, the plates are grouped in closely spaced relation and encompassed by an elongate banding member, applied thereto and therethrough in the form of a modified Figure Eight. The form in which the banding member is applied is enabled by commonly positioned apertures in the plates. As applied, the central portion of the banding member serves to first confine common lower portions of the edge mounted plates and its ends then serve to supplementarily confine uppermost portions of the edge mounted plates. The end portions of the banding member position uppermost and overlap at the top center of the plate assembly. At this top center the banding member has overlapped portions secured tightly together while the extremities of the banding member are extended to be further looped through and over top portions of the plates where they are further sealed in loop form. In this manner one can create a stable and compact package of piano plates or like structures to which, though not necessary, supplemental bands may be applied in a looped relation to the plates.

A primary object of the invention is to provide improvements in systems and methods of packaging piano plates or like objects for shipping or storage rendering the same economical, more efficient and satisfactory in use, adaptable to a wide variety of applications and rendering them unlikely to malfunction.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved means and method of palletizing piano plates and like structures to minimize space requirements in their shipping or storage.

A further object of the invention is to provide for a simple banding of piano plates and like objects into the form of a stable, compact package, whereby to facilitate their handling.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a new and improved method and system for packaging piano plates which minimizes the possibility of damage thereto in the course of handling during shipping and- /or storage.

Referring to the drawings wherein one but not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention is shown,

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing of the major face of a typical piano plate and an end elevation view of such plates arranged in back to back pairs in utilizing the method and system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the mounting of the piano plates of FIG. 1 to a pallet-like runner serving as their base, and indicating the commencement of a banding procedure in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 schematically illustrate procedural steps in effecting the banding of the plates to package form in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating plates in package form utilizing the banding concept of the invention and further utilizing supplemental banding loops, as may be desired in certain instances.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

While the invention will be described particularly in application to piano plates, it obviously is not so limited in application and such is not intended. The concept illustrated can be applied equally to objects of like apertured configuration.

As seen in plan view, a conventional piano plate as illustrated includes parallel remote edge surfaces 10 and 11 bounded by pinched sides presenting a somewhat hour-glass configuration. The plate is conventionally provided with a number of apertures including, in the case shown, a main aperture 12 centered in adjacent spaced relation to the edge 10. Spaced to either side of the major opening 12 are apertures 13, and in centered adjacent relation to the plate edge 11 is a further aperture 14. Spaced outwardly of the aperture 14 towards the pinched sides of the piano plate are additional apertures 15. It should be understood that the FIG. I is only a schematic representation of common type piano plates arranged in back to back relation and is not intended to be a specific reproduction of the detailthereof or of the nature and number of the apertures normally provided therein. Only so many apertures are illustrated as are necessary for a description and an understanding of the packaging concept of the invention.

In packaging piano plates in accordance with the invention, as may be seen with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5 of the drawings, the plates are mounted in back to back pairs to a wooden pallet-type base 16 having means defining, at its upper surface, a series of equidistantly and longitudinally spaced, transversely disposed, grooves or channels 18. As seen in FIG. 2, each groove orchannel 18 accommodates the edges 10 of two piano plates, mounted in back to back relation to have the bodies thereof project perpendicular to and vertically from the pallet 16. The base may comprise a single unitary pallet structure, in which event it will have a lateral extent sufficient to provide a firm base beneath the vertically projected piano plates and be laterally centered. In the case shown, a central portion 20 of a steel strap 22 is fixed to run the length of the underside of the pallet 16, so oriented to center under and in reference to the apertures 12 of the mounted piano plates and within the lateral limits of the apertures 14 thereabove. The strap portion 20 is suitably secured to the underside of the pallet structure by nails or similar fasteners. Fixed in underlying relation to the strap portion 20 and to appropriate portions of the pallet 16 are foot pads 24. The latter elevate the pallet and serve as a base which accommodates the introduction under the pallet, and the assembly of plates thereon, of a fork lift or like device.

The steel strap 22 is of considerable length and as applied in the first instance the strap ends 20A and 20B are equidistantly spaced from the respective ends of the edge mounted plate assembly. As seen in FIG. 3, after the strap portion 20 is fixed, the packaging is continued by then threading the respective ends 20A and 203 through the major apertures 12 in a by-passing crossing relation until they exit from the opposite sides of the assembled plates. In the process, as the end portions of the strap cross, they form a first binding loop 26 about the lower portions of the piano plates assembled to the pallet 16. As the respective ends 20A and 20B are projected outwardly through the opposite sides of the assembled plates, they are directed upwardly to the outer sides of the assembly and then inwardly over the top thereof to cross and form in the strap 22 a second loop 28. At this point, noting FIG. 4 of the drawings, the respective ends 20A and 203 have applied thereto a tension whereby to draw the modified Figure Eight created in the threading thereof into a pair of tight loops 26 and 28. With suitable tension maintained, the respective portions of the strap which are overlapped at the top center of the plate assembly are fixed together with a seal 30. This seal may be of a conventional tubular nature such as employed in banding straps about cartons, the same being crimped to frictionally hold the tension on the strap preceding the seal.

In the manner described there is produced a double binding loop encompassing, respectively, the portions of the piano plates below and above the major apertures 12, the respective portions, in effect, being placed under vertical and lateral stabilizing compression.

As seen in FIG. 4, the length of the strap 22 is such that this leaves, beyond the seal 30, strap end portions 32 and 34 which are of substantial length and respectively terminate in the strap ends designated. as 20A and 208.

Looking now to FIG. 5, the next step in the banding procedure is to direct the respective ends 20A and 20B oppositely over the top of the assembled plates to a point in the space immediately preceding the most remote pair of piano plates where it is turned down and threaded through an aperture 14 of the one and the aperture 14 aligned therewith of the other plate of the pair adjacent their upper edge. The respective ends 20A and 20B are then pulled to apply tension to the strap portions 32 and 34, whereupon each of the portions 32 and 34 is looped up and back over the top of the plate assembly to be brought together on itself and sealed at 36 immediately inward of the outer limits of the package and short of its top center. As described, secondary loops 31 are produced from the end portions of the band 22, which loops prevent slippage of the tops of the plates under the upper portion of the primary Figure Eight loop construction, in case there is any tendency for such slippage.

There is thus provided by the invention a unique primary retention means producing a compact and stable erect structure of piano plates which occupies a minimal of space and affords a package composition which can be most readily handled by fork lift trucks and like power equipment. Further, there is a supplemental safety aspect in the provision for the secondary loops 31 which inhibit inadvertent slippage or displacement of the piano plates within the confines of the Figure Eight loop. Thus, by providing a broad base pallet and the application of the single banding strip in a Figure Eight form, one very simply and economically achieves a compact packaging of piano plates or like structure in an optimal condition for handling in shipment and storage. Moreover, the package provided is flexible as to placement and enables shipping and storage space required to be minimalized also. The savings inherent in use of the packaging concept of the invention is believed readily apparent.

FIG. 6 of the drawings illustrates a modification of the use of the packaging concept of the invention wherein rather than a single broad base pallet structure being provided, the pallet structure may be provided in narrow transversely spaced split segments 16'. Under such circumstances as illustrated in FIG. 6, one segment is centered and a banding strip applied as previously described. Spaced laterally of this central segment there are applied further banding strips 22', the central portions of which, in this case, are fixed to the underlying pallet or runner device 16' as described in the first instance. However, here the ends are merely brought up and over the entire assembly, overlapped and sealed at the top. This last described packaging modification may be desired where there is a particular large and heavy assembly of plates. In any event, however, the basic central banding strap 22 as applied as a Figure Eight in the first instance is a significant basic device which ties the entire assembly together into a stable compact relation. The formation of the supplemental safety loops is an additive and most desirable feature.

Of course, suitable pads or cushioning devices may be interposed between the banding straps and the confined piano plates to prevent damage from rubbing, if such is a matter of any concern.

While a particular basic form of embodiment of the invention is here illustrated, it is of course contemplated that there may be modifications in the concept application without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The grooves in the pallet segments may, for example, be formed otherwise than shown. Also the piano plates may mount singly rather than in back to back pairs.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form,proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A piano plate package including piano plates having through openings in the body thereof, means grouping said plates in a predetermined edge mounted orientation referenced to a base surface, banding means directed about and threaded through said plates to form at least two plate confining loops, means securing said banding means in looped form to bind the plates in a single compact and secure package, and said grouping means including means edge mounting said plates establishing them in a stable vertically projected relation to a base surface as packaged, with said plates being arranged in back to back pairs.

2. A piano plate package including piano plates having through openings in the body thereof, base means for said plates, said plates being grouped in an edge mounted vertically projected relation to said base means, flexible band means extending the length of the base means and connected thereto and extending about and threading through said plates to confine said plates in a vertically stabilized relation on said base means, said band means being formed into vertically superposed loops and binding the plates into a single compact edge mounted package which inhibits shifting of said plates in reference to said base means.

3. A piano plate package as in claim 2 characterized by said band means comprising strap-like means peripherally encompassing said plates from one edge thereof to another and crossing through openings in said plates intermediate said edges, producing compression loops about said plates, which are vertically stacked.

4. A piano plate package as in claim 3 characterized by said strap-like means having a basic Figure Eight type pattern.

5. A package as in claim 2 characterized by said band means including a banding strap forming about said plates in confining loops, certain of which provides a frame of reference within which is positioned at least one other loop.

6. A package as in claim 2 characterized by said band means including a strap being applied to said plates in a woven fashion to place them under compression and to have its extremities looped back over and about selected edge portions of said plates.

7. A package as in claim 6 wherein said extremities are formed to provide secondary control loops.

8. A package as in claim 6 wherein said strap is applied in a basic Figure Eight type weave and means secure said strap to itself to maintain said Figure Eight form thereof whereby to place said plates under compression, and the ends of said strap being looped back to further bind together edge portions of said plates to inhibit shifting thereof within the strap.

9. A package as in claim 2 characterized by said flexible band means being comprised of a plurality of flexible straps forming continuous plate confining loops about said plates which are stacked in generally perpendicular relation to said base means.

10. A piano plate package including piano plates having through openings in the body thereof, means for grouping said plates in a predetermined edge mounted orientation referenced to a base surface, banding means directed about and threaded through said plates to form at least two plate confining loops, means for securing said banding means in looped form to bind the plates in a single, compact and secure package, said banding means including a single banding strap applied to said plates in a woven fashion to place them under compression and to have its extremities looped back over and about selected edge portions of said plates, said strap being applied in a basic Figure Eight and having means securing said strap to itself to maintain said Figure Eight form thereof whereby to place said plates under compression, the ends of said strap being looped back to further bind together edge portions of said plates to inhibit shifting thereof within the strap,

the securing of said strap in said Figure Eight form producing a sealing point substantially in the center of common edge portions of said plates as packaged and from this point said strap being threaded through and around edge portions of at least the outer of said plates in the package to have the strap ends fixed exteriorly of said package. 

1. A piano plate package including piano plates having through openings in the body thereof, means grouping said plates in a predetermined edge mounted orientation referenced to a base surface, banding means directed about and threaded through said plates to form at least two plate confining loops, means securing said banding means in looped form to bind the plates in a single compact and secure package, and said grouping means including means edge mounting said plates establishing them in a stable vertically projected relation to a base surface as packaged, with said plates being arranged in back to back pairs.
 2. A piano plate package including piano plates having through openings in the body thereof, base means for said plates, said plates being grouped in an edge mounted vertically Projected relation to said base means, flexible band means extending the length of the base means and connected thereto and extending about and threading through said plates to confine said plates in a vertically stabilized relation on said base means, said band means being formed into vertically superposed loops and binding the plates into a single compact edge mounted package which inhibits shifting of said plates in reference to said base means.
 3. A piano plate package as in claim 2 characterized by said band means comprising strap-like means peripherally encompassing said plates from one edge thereof to another and crossing through openings in said plates intermediate said edges, producing compression loops about said plates, which are vertically stacked.
 4. A piano plate package as in claim 3 characterized by said strap-like means having a basic ''''Figure Eight'''' type pattern.
 5. A package as in claim 2 characterized by said band means including a banding strap forming about said plates in confining loops, certain of which provides a frame of reference within which is positioned at least one other loop.
 6. A package as in claim 2 characterized by said band means including a strap being applied to said plates in a woven fashion to place them under compression and to have its extremities looped back over and about selected edge portions of said plates.
 7. A package as in claim 6 wherein said extremities are formed to provide secondary control loops.
 8. A package as in claim 6 wherein said strap is applied in a basic ''''Figure Eight'''' type weave and means secure said strap to itself to maintain said ''''Figure Eight'''' form thereof whereby to place said plates under compression, and the ends of said strap being looped back to further bind together edge portions of said plates to inhibit shifting thereof within the strap.
 9. A package as in claim 2 characterized by said flexible band means being comprised of a plurality of flexible straps forming continuous plate confining loops about said plates which are stacked in generally perpendicular relation to said base means.
 10. A piano plate package including piano plates having through openings in the body thereof, means for grouping said plates in a predetermined edge mounted orientation referenced to a base surface, banding means directed about and threaded through said plates to form at least two plate confining loops, means for securing said banding means in looped form to bind the plates in a single, compact and secure package, said banding means including a single banding strap applied to said plates in a woven fashion to place them under compression and to have its extremities looped back over and about selected edge portions of said plates, said strap being applied in a basic ''''Figure Eight'''' and having means securing said strap to itself to maintain said ''''Figure Eight'''' form thereof whereby to place said plates under compression, the ends of said strap being looped back to further bind together edge portions of said plates to inhibit shifting thereof within the strap, the securing of said strap in said ''''Figure Eight'''' form producing a sealing point substantially in the center of common edge portions of said plates as packaged and from this point said strap being threaded through and around edge portions of at least the outer of said plates in the package to have the strap ends fixed exteriorly of said package. 